Mountain Getaways Close to Boise

One of the best parts about Boise is its proximity to the expansive mountains and wilderness Idaho offers. The Gem State is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, and these locations (all a short road trip from Boise) offer a wide variety of options for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers to relax, unwind, and reconnect with our landscape. If you need a place to escape the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, these mountain getaways offer a refreshing escape.    McCall: Nestled on the shores of stunning Payette Lake, McCall is a beautiful mountain town that draws visitors with its year-round outdoor activities. In the winter, enjoy skiing at Brundage Mountain or Tamarack Resort, both local ski resorts that offer expansive runs and top-notch snow. The summer months in McCall offer countless opportunities for hiking, boating on Payette Lake, biking, and fishing. McCall is a two hour drive from Boise.   Lodging options in McCall: Shore Lodge - This luxury lakeside resort offers rooms right by the water with unrivaled amenities including a spa, private movie theater, restaurant, hot tubs, and pool. Hotel McCall - This historic hotel sits in the heart of downtown McCall, offering a blend of old-timey charm and modern class. Amenities include an indoor pool, spa, and an outstanding in-house restaurant.   Sun Valley: Renowned for its rich ski history  and upscale atmosphere, Sun Valley is an iconic mountain getaway. Downtown Ketchum offers a western ski town feel, with high end restaurants (try the Pioneer Saloon for a delicious steak) and classy boutiques and stores. With its world-renowned skiing (often used as a training ground for Olympians), Bald Mountain is ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders with steep pitches and long runs. There is also a second hill, Dollar Mountain, which is the perfect place for beginner skiers and snowboarders to hit the slopes. In the summer, Sun Valley comes alive with beautifully green mountains filled with hiking and biking trails, and spectacular fishing in the Wood River. Sun Valley sits a three hour drive from Boise.   Lodging options in Sun Valley: Sun Valley Lodge - This classic resort has a rich history of celebrity guests and offers elegant accommodations and exceptional amenities. The resort is only minutes from the ski hill and is surrounded by multiple restaurants, shops, a movie theater, and a bowling alley. Limelight Hotel Ketchum - Limelight is a contemporary hotel with a relaxed atmosphere, situated blocks from downtown Ketchum. Amenities include mountain ski shuttles, free bike rentals, outdoor pools and hot tubs, and complimentary breakfast.   Cascade: Cascade offers a quieter retreat, away from the crowds of popular McCall and Sun Valley. Located near the shores of Lake Cascade, this area is ideal for those seeking a serene escape with plenty of activities including boating, hunting, fishing, and hiking. Lake Cascade State Park offers stunning views and forested trails, enveloping you in nature. In the winter, activities include snowshoeing, snowmobiling, nordic skiing, and downhill skiing at Brundage and Tamarack which are about a 30-40 minute drive. A fun fact: Lake Cascade is not a natural lake but a reservoir. It is the 4th largest in the state, but is only 33 meters deep, making it a warm lake. Cascade is about an hour and a half minutes from Boise, and 40 minutes from McCall.    Lodging options in Cascade: Hotel NoBo - This beautiful hotel stands out in Cascade as a full-service hotel offering an elevated experience. Recently renovated, these rooms are the perfect home base for your mountain adventure.  Alpine Lodge Hotel - The Alpine Lodge offers newly renovated rooms with modern amenities as well as a RV park. There is also an entire rustic lodge available to rent, with two bedrooms and a spacious kitchen and living room area for those who want a little extra room.   Donnelly: Sitting near the base of Tamarack Resort, Donnelly is an excellent spot for a ski vacation or a summer trip to explore the surrounding mountains. While known for its world-class skiing, Tamarack Resort offers year-round outdoor activities, with summer activities including hiking, mountain biking, and zip-lining. Donnelly itself is on the northern side of Lake Cascade, with stunning views, easy outdoor access, and even a local hot springs, Gold Fork Hotsprings. Donnelly is about a two hour drive from Boise.   Lodging options in Donnelly: Tamarack Resort - Offering a variety of upscale accommodations including a luxury lodge, full homes and cottages, and condos, Tamarack has lodging for every family or group. The resort also offers dining, outdoor pools and hot tubs, and a spa.  Boulder Creek Inn - This hotel features a convenient location, comfortable rooms, and a complimentary breakfast.   Garden Valley: Photo credit to Southwest Idaho Travel Association Tucked along the scenic Middle Fork of the Payette River, Garden Valley is a tranquil mountain escape that celebrates the natural beauty of Idaho. The quaint small town features a charming outdoor theater that puts on plays in the summer, and a few saloons and restaurants. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a wide variety of activities like hiking, rafting, fishing, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and exploring the nearby hot springs.   Lodging options in Garden Valley:  Walk on the Wildside B&B - This bed and breakfast combines the atmosphere of staying in a 1930s Idaho ranch house with the modern conveniences of the 21st century. Expect to see plenty of wildlife (even Elk bugling) and truly feel immersed in the peacefulness of country living. The Three Bears Inn - This small boutique-style Inn offers quaint lodging with a rustic vibe. They offer both hotel rooms and stand-alone cabins.

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High Rise Living: Boise's Condominium and Apartment Offerings

The Rise of Condominium and Apartment Living in Boise: In recent years, Boise has seen a notable rise in condominium and apartment living. One of the driving reasons behind this shift is the higher cost of mortgages in recent years, which has made traditional home ownership less attainable. Condominiums and apartments have lower upfront costs and typically require a smaller financial commitment, making them more financially attractive than houses. Additionally, apartment and condo living has a lock-and-leave convenience, allowing for increased flexibility for travel. The cost of maintenance is also much less for condominiums and apartments, and maintenance responsibilities are often shouldered by the property management. In downtown Boise, condo and apartment buildings seamlessly blend sophistication and simplicity of living, with the vibrancy of downtown just steps away.   High Rise Living in Boise: The Afton. Sitting in the Cultural District moments away from the heart of Downtown Boise, the Afton is truly a part of the downtown community. Amenities of this building include a private, internal parking garage and spacious outdoor garden area that sits above the city on levels 2 and 3. This beautiful outdoor space features outdoor firepits, multiple seating areas, barbeques, and pet-friendly areas. The Afton also boasts a hotel-style suite in the building that is available for visitors of Afton residents. Photo credit to Build Idaho.   Lucy. Located on 5th and Grove Street in downtown, the Lucy is within walking distance of the shops, restaurants, and nightlife of Boise. This building focuses on one-bedroom floorplans, with a two-bedroom option also available. Apartments are created with modern finishes and smart home technology for a seamless living experience. Amenities include abundant parking, a bicycle wash and repair shop, and an included membership to the Grove Fitness and Spa. Photo credit to The Lucy Boise.   Hearth on Broad. Nestled between Julia Davis Park and downtown Boise, Hearth on Broad brings elegant, luxury living to Boise. The amenities of this building are endless, including multiple community areas, a spa area with a hot tub, a sun deck, a fitness center, barbeques, outdoor lounges, and coworking spaces. On the ground level of Hearth sits the Percy restaurant, the newest creation from the Wylder Hospitality group.   Jules on 3rd. Named after Boise’s iconic Julia Davis, Jules on 3rd is a beautiful building right next to Julia Davis Park in downtown Boise. Amenities include a rooftop pool with a spacious sundeck, a club room, outdoor barbeques, a fitness studio, a dog-washing spa, and remote working spaces. Floorplan options include a variety of studios and one beds, as well as a few two-bedroom options. Photo credit to Jules on Third.   Tower Plaza (Chase Bank Building). The iconic Tower Plaza condominiums are located on Capitol Boulevard in the Chase Bank Building. Built in 1995, Tower Plaza is one of the first high-rise condominium buildings in Boise. Floor plans range from 500-square-foot studios to 4,000-square-foot penthouses. These apartments are a stone's throw from the best dining, shopping, and entertainment that Boise has to offer. These apartments feature floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning views of the Boise skyline.   One Thirteen. (no photo available)     Travis. With only 19 residences and a location right on the cusp of downtown Boise, these condos offer an exclusive and intimate living experience. Condos feature an elegant open-concept kitchen and living space, a gas fireplace with floor-to-ceiling tile surround, and private outdoor balconies and patios. Amenities include a secure garage, fitness center, additional storage units, and commercial space on the ground floor. Photo credits to the Travis.   Martha. This stylish west downtown apartment building features sizable units with expansive windows, spacious floor plans with oversized closets, and a boutique vibe. Community amenities include a community courtyard, secure bike storage, and on-site parking. This apartment’s location is out of the hustle and bustle of downtown while still being minutes from the restaurants, shops, and entertainment.   One Nineteen. One Nineteen offers 26 urban residences, from sixth-floor penthouses to studios and two bedrooms. These homes boast 10-foot ceilings (14-foot in the penthouses) and beautifully designed interiors. Amenities include secure parking, bike storage, a bike maintenance station, and natural gas outlets on decks. Photo credit to Build Idaho.   Jefferson. This boutique condominium was built in 2009 and sits on the fringe of the East End, just blocks from the heart of downtown. These units feature quality construction, smart floorplans, and stunning interior design packages. All condos have a private outdoor deck, and amenities include secured underground parking, a lobby with a fireplace and furniture, and a low-traffic/noise location. Photo credit to Build Idaho.

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5 Events in Boise and Beyond - March 15th - 17th

Photo Credit: via Pexels   5 Events in Boise & Beyond 1. Boise St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl & Block Party Where: 513 W Main Street When: Sunday, March 17 Time: 1:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   2. Joyride: Bicycling in Idaho Where: 1212 W Bannock Street When: Friday, March 15 Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   3. Variety from the Vaults: Women in Idaho’s History Where: 2205 Old Penitentiary Road When: Saturday, March 16 Time: 12:00 - 3:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   4. St. Patty’s Day Party at Barbarian Where: 114 E 32nd Street When: Sunday, March 17 Time: 12:00 - 6:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   5. Boise Spring home Show Where: Expo Idaho When: Friday - Sunday Time: Times Vary EVENT DETAILS HERE    

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